Ecommpay, a prominent player in the digital payments landscape, has recently launched a new brand identity that aligns with its inclusivity initiative, aptly named “Ecommpay for Good.” This initiative is focused on advancing accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity in the online commerce environment.
At the heart of this effort is Ecommpay’s comprehensive Guide to Digital Accessibility, designed to assist merchants in crafting websites that are accessible to all users. This guide aims to foster a wider digital presence by addressing barriers that hinder inclusivity, ultimately aiming to create a more equitable online shopping experience.
As part of its commitments, Ecommpay is applying rigorous testing to its own platforms, including its website, mobile SDK, and hosted payment page. These tests are conducted to ensure compliance with the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards. To guarantee the quality and effectiveness of these initiatives, the Digital Accessibility Centre has been engaged, and certification for compliance is expected by September 2024.
According to Miranda McLean, Chief Marketing Officer at Ecommpay, the importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. “The Ecommpay for Good programme is not just about providing merchants the tools to enhance their e-commerce presence,” McLean stated. “It’s about ensuring that customers enjoy an accessible payment experience, thereby minimising barriers to entry for diverse user bases.”
The initiative also highlights a notable gap in the importance placed on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors within the payment sector. Research from the Payments Association reveals that only 5% of payment companies prioritise ESG initiatives in their strategies for the upcoming year. McLean suggests that this oversight represents a significant missed opportunity for both revenue and brand loyalty. Evidence suggests that companies that prioritise accessibility and inclusivity see a direct correlation to increased revenue streams.
To assist merchants in implementing these initiatives, Ecommpay has partnered with the Digital Accessibility Centre to create the Guide to Digital Accessibility. This resource details the necessary steps to achieve WCAG 2.2 AA compliance and includes a practical checklist for developers. It is available as an accessible PDF on Ecommpay’s official website, providing an easy-to-navigate resource for business owners seeking to enhance their digital platforms.
The scope of the Ecommpay for Good programme extends beyond immediate accessibility improvements. It aims to empower midsize and enterprise businesses to thrive in both domestic and international markets. This goal intertwines seamlessly with Ecommpay’s ongoing partnerships, including notable collaborations with Project Nemo and the European Women in Payments Network (EWPN).
EWPN is a non-profit organisation devoted to fostering a community for women in the cards, FinTech, and payments sectors throughout Europe. Through its association with Project Nemo, led by the influential Joanne Dewar, Ecommpay is addressing the accessibility challenges prevalent in the FinTech sector. This collaboration aims to provide guidance to industry leaders on fostering an inclusive environment, bridging gaps between traditional practices and innovative inclusive strategies.
Ecommpay’s approach to inclusivity reflects a larger global trend towards sustainable business practices. The company’s commitment entails providing valuable resources and fostering strategic partnerships to help drive industry-wide change. This forward-thinking approach not only promotes accessibility and inclusivity but also highlights the long-term benefits such practices bring to businesses and their customer bases alike.
The establishment of Ecommpay for Good signifies a pivotal shift in how payment solutions can be designed and deployed, with the aim of not only enhancing the bottom line but also ensuring that all segments of the community can engage in the digital marketplace.
In conclusion, Ecommpay is taking commendable strides towards establishing a more inclusive e-commerce environment through its new brand identity and dedicated initiatives. By ensuring all users, especially those with disabilities, have a seamless experience, Ecommpay is not just advocating for financial inclusivity but also setting a benchmark for the future of digital commerce across the globe.